y Gossip
Belfry Gossip
Reasons for Ringing: Throughout history, bells have virtually always been rung to celebrate both ecclesiastical and secular events. Their main use has been and still is, for church services, both on Sundays and other occasions. There were times, not so long ago, when bells were only rung for secular purposes and ringers were often paid to perform this duty.
St. Mary’s ringers have always placed a high priority on service ringing and have rarely missed, a record we are not only proud of but we hope to continue in the future. Bells are used to celebrate or commemorate local, national and international events. Last month’s ringing for the 60th anniversary of D-Day is an excellent example of this.
Service ringing is often linked with other commemorative events. Recently we were privileged to ring special quarter peals to commemorate the lives of Cliff Martin and Olive Key, two former members of our congregation. The Rector’s 60th birthday quarter peal was recorded with a special certificate and presented to him. If you would like to commemorate some special anniversary or a particular milestone in your life, do please let us know and we will do our best – with even a certificate.
Sources of Income: It is very important we sustain our income, as ringing can prove a very expensive activity. Bells and their fittings are mechanical objects and are subject to problems, including breakages. Bells require ropes, which do wear out and require replacing – very expensive. We acknowledge with thanks two recent donations from members of the congregation who obviously greatly appreciate the bells.
A proportion of the fees for wedding bells goes into our funds and occasionally special money raising events are organised. We endeavour to be as self-supporting as possible. We do thank again everyone who has supported us over the years.
D-Day Ringing: To be asked to ring for such special events is not only a privilege but also an honour. Bells throughout the land were rung during the weekend of June 5th/6th. Television coverage of the many celebrations was immense and on many of the transmissions bells could be heard in the background. What better way of celebrating that piece of history than by the ringing of church bells?
We rung a quarter peal of Rutland Surprise Major for the special afternoon service held at St. Mary’s and then back again for the evening service quarter, for which we failed.
Dorothy L Sayers: 2004 is the 70th anniversary of the original publication of The Nine Tailors. The novel features her aristocratic sleuth, Lord Peter Wimsey, in a mystery which revolves around a long length peal of a method called Kent Treble Bob Major. A Dorothy L Sayers Society was formed years ago and they decided to support a plan to hang for ringing the bells of Bluntisham, in Cambridgeshire, where for some years, DLS's father was the vicar. No doubt one of our Sunday evening quarters will be rung to commemorate this 70th anniversary.
Former Ringers: Through the power of the Internet, and our own web site, news reached us recently that Liz and Jonathon Millward, who used to ring with us, have moved to Belgium to set up a bed and breakfast accommodation. We wish them well, particularly as Jonathon has to settle into a Belgium school. I’m sure they will keep us informed how they are coping and missing their ringing.
Coming Events for July: A peal to celebrate Pam and Paul’s Silver Wedding, coupled with our congratulations; our annual barbecue on the first Sunday in July; reports on the Branch 6 bell striking competition held at Yardley Hastings and the Guild 80th Anniversary peal attempted just before Gossip went to print. Did Brenda get the Presidency? All in next month’s Gossip.